Pelvic alignment adjustment device

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a pelvic alignment adjustment device for correcting pelvic misalignment, comprising a vertical column; one or more push point assembly components attached to the vertical column to allow inward exertion by the knees; and one or more push point assembly components attached to the vertical column to allow outward exertion by the knees.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is in the technical field of medical instruments devices. More particularly, the present invention is in the technical field of spinal instruments. More particularly, the present invention is in the technical field of instruments and techniques for pelvic alignment.

2. Description of the Related Art

Pelvic misalignment is a major cause of neck, back, hip, knee, and other joint pain, in addition to other musculoskeletal problems such as anterior or posterior pelvic tilt and improper posture. Pelvic misalignment is caused by muscular strength imbalances, sometimes induced by prolonged sitting and other inactivity, or other injury to the lower back and pelvic areas.

Few attempts to resolve the said problems are recorded. The most common attempt involves the service of a physician or chiropractor in which the physician or chiropractor assesses leg length differentials and hip alignment. Upon diagnosis of pelvic misalignment, the medical provider assists the sufferer in stretches. Attempts have been made to try to eliminate the use of a medical provider but such attempts introduce other complexities. WO 2007030646 A3 discloses a full-body assembly for joint alignment, particularly a pelvic alignment member designed to encircle the pelvic area.

The present invention focuses specifically upon pelvic alignment and allows comfort for the user since the device does not necessitate close form-fitting relationships between the device and the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the invention provides an assembly for improving pelvic alignment and reducing leg length differentials to a comfortable level for the user without the use of a full-body joint alignment assembly or contoured form-fitting pelvic assembly, but rather non-constrictive push points for maximal user comfort during use.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description of the invention and the following detailed description are exemplary, and thus do not restrict the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The skilled artisan will understand that the drawings, described below, are for illustration purposes only. The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the present teachings in any way.

FIG. 1 is a front view of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a back view of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a side view of an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention is based on the discovery that pelvic misalignment can be corrected by exerting inward and/or outward pressure by the knees using a pelvic alignment adjustment device without the aid of a medical professional.

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to certain embodiments and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, and alterations and modifications in the illustrated device, and further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein are herein contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains.

For the purpose of interpreting this specification, the following definitions will apply and whenever appropriate, terms used in the singular will also include the plural and vice versa. In the event that any definition set forth below conflicts with the usage of that word in any other document, including any document incorporated herein by reference, the definition set forth below shall always control for purposes of interpreting this specification and its associated claims unless a contrary meaning is clearly intended (for example in the document where the term is originally used). The use of “or” means “and/or” unless stated otherwise. The use of “a” herein means “one or more” unless stated otherwise or where the use of “one or more” is clearly inappropriate. The use of “comprise,” “comprises,” “comprising,” “include,” “includes,” and “including” are interchangeable and not intended to be limiting. Furthermore, where the description of one or more embodiments uses the term “comprising,” those skilled in the art would understand that, in some specific instances, the embodiment or embodiments can be alternatively described using the language “consisting essentially of” and/or “consisting of ” As used herein, “about” means±10% of the numerical value provided.

In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to pelvic alignment adjustment device used to correct pelvic misalignment and leg length differentials.

In some embodiments, the pelvic alignment adjustment device has at least one push point assembly component to allow inward exertion by the knees and at least one push point assembly component to allow outward exertion by the knees.

Referring now to some embodiments of the invention in more detail, in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 there is shown an embodiment of the invention comprising a pelvic alignment adjustment device with a first push point assembly 20 comprising two push points 11,12 connected by a linear horizontal column 13. In about the center of the horizontal column 13 there is affixed a linear vertical column 14. At the opposite end of the vertical column 14 there is attached second push point assembly 21 comprising a linear horizontal column 17. Linear columns 18,19 are substantially perpendicularly affixed to the ends of the linear horizontal column 17 such that the opposite ends of the columns 18,19 are affixed to two push points 15,16.

In some embodiments, the pelvic alignment adjustment device is designed to lay flat for easy storage and transportation by means of a pivot point or other swivel-enabling method attached at the joint between the vertical column 14 and the push point assembly 21. In some embodiments, the pivot point or swivel-enabling method allows the U-shaped push point assembly 21 to swing into parallel alignment with the vertical column 14. A parallel alignment configuration reduces the size of the device when not in use. In some embodiments, the horizontal column 17 of the push point assembly 21 can be threaded to enable width adjustment for people of different sizes. The device may be constructed of any material, including, but not limited to, plastic, rubber, metal, thermoplastics, or other alloys. While the type of material can vary, one embodiment is to be constructed of injection-molded plastic. The push points 11,12,15,16 can be constructed of any material. In one embodiment of the present invention, one or more push points 11,12,15,16 have a slip-resistant and comfortable rubber coating, although any other slip-resistant and comfortable material may be used.

The advantages of the present invention include, without limitation, that it enables the alignment of the pelvis without the assistance or cost of a physician or other medical practitioner. By extension, the time associated with practitioner visits is avoided. One embodiment of the present invention overcomes this by being lightweight, cost-effective, and portable. Portability enables the present invention to deliver relief from pelvic misalignment at home, work, during travel, or anywhere else a practitioner is not convenient, cost-effective, or readily available. The present invention also enables leg length differential and pelvic alignment correction without the use of a full-body joint alignment.

In some embodiments, the invention provides a method of aligning the pelvis comprising providing the pelvic alignment adjustment device to a subject, wherein the subject contacts at least one push point assembly component to allow inward exertion by the subject's knees and at least one push point assembly component to allow outward exertion by the subject's knees.

In use of some embodiments of the method of the present invention, the user lies prone on his back on a sturdy, flat surface. The knees are bent and positioned adjacently. The U-shaped push point assembly 21 is placed atop the knees such that the knees are fully enclosed by the U-shape of the assembly. In some embodiments, the user exerts outward pressure from the knees until the flexor muscles in the pelvic area are sufficiently stretched. One embodiment of the present invention recommends at least five (5) seconds for every stretch contained herein, although any time length may be appropriate for the specific end user. In some embodiments, the push point assembly 21 can then moved to the space between the knees such that each push point 15,16 of the push point assembly 21 is in contact with a different knee. In some embodiments, the user exerts inward pressure from the knees until the flexor muscles in the pelvic area are sufficiently stretched. In some embodiments, the push point assembly 21 is then placed atop the knees such that the knees are fully enclosed by the U-shape of the assembly. In some embodiments, the user exerts outward pressure from the knees until the flexor muscles in the pelvic area are sufficiently stretched. In some embodiments, the device is then turned such that the push point assembly 20 is placed between the knees and the push points 11,12 are each in contact with one knee. In some embodiments, the user exerts inward pressure from the knees until the flexor muscles in the pelvic area are sufficiently stretched. In some embodiments, the push point assembly 21 is then placed atop the knees such that the knees are fully enclosed by the U-shape of the assembly. In some embodiments, the user exerts outward pressure from the knees until the flexor muscles in the pelvic area are sufficiently stretched. In some embodiments, the push point assembly 21 is then moved to the space between the knees such that each push point 15,16 of the push point assembly 21 is in contact with a different knee. In some embodiments, the user exerts inward pressure from the knees until the flexor muscles in the pelvic area are sufficiently stretched. In some embodiments, the push point assembly 21 is then placed atop the knees such that the knees are fully enclosed by the U-shape of the assembly. In some embodiments, the user exerts outward pressure from the knees until the flexor muscles in the pelvic area are sufficiently stretched. In some embodiments, the user then places both feet on the ground and away from the body at a distance such that the angle of the femur with the ground is 45 degrees. In some embodiments, the user then raises his or her rear end off of the ground six (6) inches into the air and holds in place until the flexor muscles in the pelvic area are sufficiently stretched. In some embodiments, each leg is then extended slowly one at a time to complete the stretching exercises.

The preceding drawings and description merely explain the present invention by way of example and are not intended to be limiting. While certain embodiments and features have been disclosed herein, a person having ordinary skill in the art having this disclosure would be able make changes and alterations. It is intended that the appended claims cover all such changes and alterations as fall within the scope of such claims and that the claims not be limited to or by such preferred embodiments or features.

All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A pelvic alignment adjustment device for correcting pelvic misalignment, comprising a vertical column; one or more push point assembly components attached to the vertical column to allow inward exertion by the knees; and one or more push point assembly components attached to the vertical column to allow outward exertion by the knees.
 2. A pelvic alignment adjustment device for correcting pelvic misalignment comprising one or more push points adapted to withstand inward and/or outward pressure by the knees; one or more horizontal columns having connection points to the one or more push points; and a vertical column having one or more connection points to the horizontal column.
 3. The pelvic alignment adjustment device of claim 2, wherein the vertical column comprises a joint for rotation of one or more horizontal columns.
 4. The pelvic alignment device of claim 2, wherein the horizontal column length can be adjusted to accommodate users of different sizes.
 5. The pelvic alignment device of claim 4, wherein a locking mechanism maintains the length of the horizontal column during use.
 6. The pelvic alignment device of claim 2, wherein one connection point of the vertical column is configured to rotate in a parallel axis for between zero and three-hundred sixty degrees.
 7. The pelvic alignment device of claim 2, wherein the horizontal column is flexible and/or adjustable for variable length.
 8. The pelvic alignment device of claim 2, wherein the horizontal column length is adjusted by a thread-lock system.
 9. The pelvic alignment device of claim 2, comprising two horizontal columns having different lengths.
 10. The pelvic alignment device of claim 9, wherein a first horizontal column is connected to one or more push points adapted to withstand inward pressure by the knees and a second horizontal column is connected to one or more push points to withstand outward pressure by the knees.
 11. The pelvic alignment device of claim 10, wherein the second horizontal column is also connected to one or more push points to withstand inward pressure by the knees.
 12. A device for correcting pelvic misalignment comprising: an elongated body at a first end; an elongated body at a second end; at least one push point in the first and second end; and a rotation apparatus at the second end.
 13. A method for correcting pelvic misalignment in a subject comprising: i) exerting inward pressure by the knees at the push points of the device of claim 1; ii) exerting outward pressure by the knees at the push points of the device of claim 1; and iii) stretching the legs, thereby correcting pelvic misalignment and correcting leg length differentials.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the misaligned pelvis comprises a tilted pelvis causing neck, back, hip, or knee pain.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein the misaligned pelvis comprises an irregularly aligned pelvis. 